Steroids

Steroids (AKA anabolic steroids, gear, roids, juice) are synthetic forms of the male hormone testosterone and are used in order to build muscle. They are extremely common amongst body builders.

Steroids are often found as liquids in vials which are injected into muscles. They can also be found as oral tablets or liquids which are swallowed.

Multiple different steroids are available of different strengths and these include testosterone, trenbolone, nandrolone, Anavar, winstrol, HGH (human growth hormone).

How it is used

  • When people take steroids they are often ‘cycled’ which means they are used for a number of weeks then stopped for a period and this ‘cycle’ repeats itself over and over again
  • They can also be used long term, where a large amount is used for a period of time and then a maintenance dose is used in between. This is called a ‘blast’ and ‘cruise’.
  • They can be stacked, ie multiple different anabolic steroids used together, in order to give certain effects like increase muscle growth, increase fat loss, retain water into muscles to give a fuller appearance
  • When people stop using steroids their body doesn’t produce its normal hormones for a period of time, to stimulate this people will often take pills to restore their production
  • These pills are often used in treatment of breast cancer.

How it feels

Steroids can:

  • increase your muscle growth - this can make you feel more confident and sociable.
  • make you become more aggressive, violent and experience mood changes (‘roid rage’)

Risks and the law

Risks

  • Cosmetic issues including acne, shrinking of your testes, hair loss, growth of breast tissue
  • Heart issues such as high blood pressure, raised cholesterol enlarging of heart muscle (doesn’t work as well then), strokes and heart attacks
  • Steroids broken down in your body by your liver, this can cause hepatits, acute or even long term liver failure
  • Steroids are often bought online or from other people in gyms, there is no guarantee of their purity or what they are. This can lead to infections in your bloodstream or effects from other substances
  • Injecting can cause skin infections, clots in veins, death of the muscle and skin
  • Using unclean equipment or sharing can increase risk of HIV and hepatitis
  • Long term effects on hormones which may never return to their normal production
  • Mental health issues including extreme mood swings, anxiety and depression

The law

  • Class C drug
  • Possession for personal use is not illegal
  • Supplying can lead to up to 14 years in prison and/or unlimited fine